Ek Phnom Temple, Rice Wine & Wat Samrong Killing Field Tour

Summary

Ek phnom ruins rice wine tasting village crafts wat samrong

You’ll ride out from Battambang by tuk tuk with a local guide, exploring Ek Phnom temple ruins before tasting bamboo sticky rice and strong homemade rice wine in nearby villages. Watch locals make rice paper by hand, then visit Wat Samrong Knong killing field for a moment of reflection before heading back — it’s an honest look at real life here.

What’s the experience like?

We rattled out of Battambang in a tuk tuk just after sunrise — the air was still cool and smelled faintly like wet grass. Our guide, Dara, waved at nearly everyone we passed. He grew up nearby and seemed to know every dog and kid along the road. First stop was Ek Phnom temple, about 15 km northwest. I’d seen photos but didn’t expect how quiet it felt in person — just us and a few monks sweeping leaves around the old stones. The carvings are worn smooth in places; Dara pointed out one that looked like a monkey (I squinted, maybe?).

After that we rolled through a village where women were making sticky rice inside bamboo tubes over open fires. The smoke made my eyes sting a bit but it smelled sweet — almost like caramel. Someone handed me a piece to try; it was warm and chewy, not too sweet. We also stopped for rice wine (warning: it’s strong). I tried to say “cheers” in Khmer and got it wrong — everyone laughed, including me. There was a quick detour to see how rice paper is made (it’s trickier than you’d think) and then we passed by racks of drying bananas near the fish market. That part… well, let’s just say you’ll remember the smell.

The last stop was Wat Samrong Knong killing field. It’s hard to describe the feeling there — quiet but heavy somehow. Dara told us some stories from his own family; I could tell he didn’t share them with everyone. We stood for a while without talking much. On the way back into town I kept thinking about how close all these places are to each other — temples, villages, memories both good and hard. Still thinking about that sticky rice too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore temples and local villages

• Visit Ek Phnom temple ruins
• Learn bamboo sticky rice making
• Try rice wine
• See rice paper production
• Visit fish market
• Explore Wat Samrong killing field

Day 2 — Visit Wat Samrong Khong

• Visit Wat Samrong Khong temple

Top questions

How far is Ek Phnom temple from Battambang?

It’s about 15 km northwest of Battambang city center.

Is pickup included for this tour?

The tour includes pickup by tuk tuk in Battambang.

What food or drink is offered during the tour?

You’ll get to try bamboo sticky rice and sample local rice wine during village visits.

Does this tour visit any historical sites?

Yes, you’ll visit Ek Phnom temple ruins and Wat Samrong Knong killing field.

Is there a guide on this tour?

A local guide accompanies you throughout the morning tour.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What kind of transport is used?

The group travels by tuk tuk between stops around Battambang.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup by tuk tuk in Battambang, guidance from a local expert throughout each stop, bottled water along the way, plus shared tastings of bamboo sticky rice and homemade rice wine before returning to town together.